Picking out the best mountain bike can seem like a complicated business. The sheer variety of bike types, not to mention the bewildering array of technology and terminology surrounding them, can seem staggering.
Our buying guide will run you through everything you need to know, from how much you should spend to what kind of mountain bike will be best for you. We'll also highlight the key features you should look out for and then point you to our lists of the best buys at each price point.
The path to choosing your ideal ride can seem as root-infested as any trail — let us be your guide…
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How much do I need to spend?
For most people — and especially when starting out — budget is the critical factor when looking at a new bike. How much you’re willing to spend radically affects what’s on offer, and it’s easy to look at mountain bikes in a shop or online and be put off by the stupendous price tags attached to many of them.
Just because you can spend a lot doesn’t mean you need to. But there are some basic features you should expect at various prices.
£350
It’s possible to get a well made, off-road capable machine from around £350, though there are certain caveats. At this sort of money, you should steer well, well clear of any full suspension bikes — that’s a bike that’s got suspension at the front and rear wheels. They’ll be significantly heavier than either front suspension equipped ‘hardtails’ or suspension-free 'rigid' bikes, and the cheap and uncontrolled suspension units fitted to them will actually harm off-road performance.
£500
£750
£1,000
£1,500
£3,000
£4,000+
So what kind of mountain bike should I buy?
Cross-country (XC) bike
- Entry: £750 (hardtail) £1,000 (full suspension)
- Good: £1,500 (hardtail) £2,500 (full suspension)
- Brilliant: £2,500 (hardtail) £3,500 (full suspension)
Trail bike
- Entry: £750 (hardtail) £1,000 (full suspension)
- Good: £1,500 (hardtail) £2,500 (full suspension)
- Brilliant: £2,500 (hardtail) £3,500 (full suspension)
Enduro bike
- Entry: £1,300
- Good: £2,600
- Brilliant: £4,000
Downhill bike
- Entry: £1,500
- Good: £3,000
- Brilliant: £5,000
Wait, we’re not finished!
What size bike do I need?
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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